Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Toyota will use the extraordinary success and vaunted image of the Prius hybrid when it expands the name plate with the 2012 Prius V model. V is for versatility, says Toyota, the new model packing 50 percent more cargo space than the current Prius. The larger, heavier and less aerodynamic body, but has a significant impact on fuel economy with EPA estimates drop from 51 mpg city and 48 mpg on the highway to 42/38 mpg. V Prius has a combined EPA estimate of 40 mpg vs. Prius '50 mpg.

To build a roomier Prius, Toyota has gone all dimensions of the existing car. The wheelbase grows by 3.1 inches while overall length increases by 6.1 inches. It's also 3.3 inchestaller and 1.2 inches wider with drag coefficient increases from 0.25 to 0.29. Toyota has not discussed the weight of the new Prius V, but you can be sure that it comes in many Prius '3 0042-pounds weight.

The new Prius will take the form of an MPV, a factor which is popular with families in Europe. It seats five and uses four conventional doors. Behind the door, the owners can save up to 34.3 cubic meters of cargo. To accommodate passengers and gear in the rear seats slide and rest and the front passenger seat folds flat to accommodate long objects.